Indianapolis, Indiana – In a bid to mend fences and strengthen their offensive arsenal, the Indianapolis Colts have inked a long-term contract extension with star running back Jonathan Taylor, as officially announced by the team on Saturday. While the precise financial details remain undisclosed, sources close to the matter have revealed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Taylor has put pen to paper on a three-year contract worth an impressive $42 million, with a substantial $26.5 million guaranteed.
This significant development comes after a tumultuous offseason during which Taylor, seeking a new contract, had requested a trade from the Colts in July. His return to the field, slated for the upcoming Sunday clash against the Tennessee Titans, marks a pivotal moment for the Colts, who have eagerly awaited the presence of their supremely talented running back in the lineup.
The newly minted contract catapults Taylor into the upper echelons of NFL running backs in terms of salary, positioning him as the third-highest paid player in the league at his position. In a statement released to the public, Taylor expressed his gratitude to the Colts and expressed his pride in being an Indianapolis Colt.
With a yearly average salary of $14 million, Taylor now joins the ranks of elite running backs in the league, such as Christian McCaffrey ($16.01M) and Alvin Kamara ($15M). This extension symbolizes a pivotal juncture in Taylor’s burgeoning career, reflecting the recognition of his exceptional talents and contributions to the game.
A standout performer, Taylor captured the title of the NFL’s leading rusher in 2021, accumulating an impressive 1,811 rushing yards and scoring 18 touchdowns. Although the Colts and Taylor had faced contract-related disputes earlier in the year, they have successfully ironed out their differences, forging a promising path forward.
The Colts, beset by injuries during the current season, now look poised to mount a resurgence. With Taylor’s return and his partnership with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, the team aims to reinvigorate their campaign and get back on the winning track.